[cs] Introduction to Media Studies: Fantastic Metropolis: Urban Narratives in North American Television - Einzelansicht

There is no doubt that, in the contemporary popular imaginary, the urban and the fantastic have a special relationship to each other. The image of a metropolis, whether real or imagined, populated by superheroes and supervillains has long since become a familiar staple of comic books and movies. Out of this connection a new genre had been forged, the genre of urban fantasy, which in recent years has been increasingly proliferating on the contemporary popular cultural landscape in general, and in television in particular. Netflix’s by now numerous adaptations of various narratives set in the Marvel universe have played an important part in this development, but the trend towards the urban fantastic in contemporary television is, of course, much larger than any one story verse. In this course, we will take a closer look at several recent North American TV shows which can be productively ascribed to the genre of urban fantasy or urban science fiction, set in such prominent metropolitan centers as Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver. By doing so, we will examine the aesthetic and cultural significance of the unholy alliance of the urban and the fantastic. While this will be the overarching theme of the course, its main aim is to provide students with a set of tools for an informed analysis of television texts, as well as with an understanding of basic principles and dynamics which define television as a medium and a field of cultural production.

The following TV shows will serve as our primary material:

Angel (1999-2004, created by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt)

Continuum (2012-2015, created by Simon Barry)

Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments (2016 – ongoing, created by Todd Slavkin and Darren       Swimmer)

Luke Cage (2016 – ongoing, created by Cheo Hodari Cocker)

Course Requirements: In order to receive credit for this course, you will have to present a case study of relevant aspect(s) of one of the TV shows. Familiarity with the TV shows in question, participation in class discussions and regular attendance will be expected.

Die verbindlich geltenden Zulassungsvoraussetzungen entnehmen Sie eigenverantwortlich den Modulhandbüchern und Studienordnungen Ihres jeweiligen Studienganges.

Die zu erbringenden Prüfungsleistungen sind den Regelungen der Modulhandbücher und der Studienordnung Ihres jeweiligen Studienganges eigenverantwortlich zu entnehmen.